News, notes from North Beaches
The annual Vilano Town Center 4th of July parade was a big success with 75 entries and a large number of spectators. Thanks to Linda Arnold, chair of the event, Vivian Browning, parade organizer and Church at Vilano who provided the food.

COA Activities
The COA crafters are hosting a Christmas in July craft sale from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St. "Christmas in July" will feature a raffle for a "Tea For Two" gift basket, which includes a teapot, teacups, place mats, pot holders, cookies and teas.

Caregiver Honors
Home Instead Senior Caregiver of the Month for May was Ruth Allen, right. Allen is always dependable and available, even driving to the World Golf Village from Palatka, it was noted in her nomination. She has been with Home Instead for more than three years and has worked more than 5,000 hours. She is with client Willie Gauch. Contributed photo

Special birthday celebration
St. Augustine native Leonilla Blue (Mrs. James) Stephens had a very special birthday this year, celebrating for several days. She began with a walk down St. George Street, participating in the Minorcan Walk on June 26, which commemorated the 1768 arrival of her Minorcan ancestors in this area, and then topped it off two days later with a gathering at the Columbia Restaurant.

'Crocodile Rock' set for Alligator Farm
"In 1862 Robert Smalls, a 23-year-old slave, commandeered Planter, a 147-foot long Confederate transport steamer, from Charleston's Southern Wharf," states a news release from the National Park Service. "With his wife, children and 12 other slaves aboard, he gave the correct whistle signal as he sailed past the rebel forts in the harbor. He then headed to sea and surrendered to the nearest Union blockading vessel.''

Theater: Once on This Island Jr.
he Limelight Theatre is back with another great show for children and families. Students from the Limelight Theatre's KIDZfActory production camp will present the musical "Once on This Island Jr." This award-winning play is full of Caribbean music, dancing, drama and a cast of colorful characters. Shows are 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. July 11 at the theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Go online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org For reservations, call 825-1164.

An interview with Cinematic Sunrise
Guitarist Bryan Beeler, from the band Cinematic Sunrise, spoke with me on the phone last month from his bedroom in Novi, Mich. Playing guitar since age 11, this 24-year-old musician told me about his band, their first EP, and life on tour. Catch the band on one of the 10 stages at this weekend's Vans Warped Tour.

Seussical the Musical
The Summer Musical TheatreCamp opens its fourteenth season this weekend with the musical production "Seussical," with local children ages 10 to 18 making up the cast.

Film: Dark Knight
The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater is selling tickets to its special engagement of Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Dark Knight," in advance of the film's nationwide release set for July 18.

Things to do
Friday, July 11 -- Hurricane lunch: Join Steve Letro, a meteorologist for more than 30 years at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, for a look at hurricanes during a brown bag lunch lecture at noon at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center's auditorium, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.

Addressing Jo Ann exhibit
The newly-installed "Addressing Jo Ann" show, a tribute to the late Jo Ann Crisp-Ellert, opens from 2 to 5 p.m. July 13 at the St. Augustine Art Associatio, 22 Marine St., downtown St. Augustine.

Theater: Local auditions
Actors, actresses and a stage manager are needed for a new Christian play by local performing artist and Minister HowardE. Lewis.The play is called "Order in the Court of Jesus," and is intended to be an evangelical tool which should premier in St. Augustine this fall.

Go & Do
Concerts in the Plaza: Jody & The Driveshafts will play classic rock from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitucion

Learn about Book Promotion
Published author and FWA Regional Director Vic DiGenti, the father of three traditionally-published books, will guide interested writers along the meandering marketing path, pointing out what obstacles to avoid and which roads lead to more consistent sales.

Things to do
Friday, July 11 -- Hurricane lunch: Join Steve Letro, a meteorologist for more than 30 years at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, for a look at hurricanes during a brown bag lunch lecture at noon at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center's auditorium, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.

Book signings
July 12: Nancy Nichols, author of "Secrets of the Ultimate Husband Hunter: How to Attract Men, Enjoy Dating and Recognize the Love of Your Life," will sign copies of her book from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1930 U.S. 1 South. Call 826-0722.

Vans Warped Tour 2008
For more than a decade, the Vans Warped Tour has brought rock, punk, ska and extreme sports to venues around the world. This summer, the festival will bring close to 100 bands (playing on 10 different stages) to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.

Brinkley settles divorce
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. -- Christie Brinkley's lurid divorce trial came to an abrupt end Thursday when lawyers for the former supermodel and her fourth husband reached an out-of-court settlement that gives her custody of their two children.

CBS News' Logan has baby drama
NEW YORK -- Lara Logan, the chief foreign affairs correspond-ent for CBS News, tells The Washington Post she is pregnant, and the father is a married federal contractor whom she met while stationed in Iraq.

Life in a Nutshell: Endless political polls
OK, I have officially had it. I am through, absolutely through. Here we are, something like four months out from the next presidential election and I just can't take it any more.

Dinner & A Movie benefits Cultural Council
At the next Dinner and a Movie Series created by Gypsy Cab Company and The St. Johns Cultural Council, "The Grand" will be on screen in the Gypsy Cab Bar & Grill, 830 Anastasia Blvd.

Vans Warped Tour 2008
For more than a decade, the Vans Warped Tour has brought rock, punk, ska and extreme sports to venues around the world. This summer, the festival will bring close to 100 bands (playing on 10 different stages) to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.

Film: Dark Knight
The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater is selling tickets to its special engagement of Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Dark Knight," in advance of the film's nationwide release set for July 18.

Life in a Nutshell: Endless political polls
OK, I have officially had it. I am through, absolutely through. Here we are, something like four months out from the next presidential election and I just can't take it any more.

Summer Concerts
The Boys Like Girls CD debuted on the Billboard 200 list for more than 40 weeks, including three weeks at No. 1 on the Heatseekers chart. Pop hits "The Great Escape" and "Hero/Heroine" spawned from the album.

Theater: New theater group in town
A new not-for-profit theater organization, A Classic Theatre Inc. (ACT) has been announced by Jean Rahner, president and founder of the performing arts group.

Book signings
July 12: Nancy Nichols, author of "Secrets of the Ultimate Husband Hunter: How to Attract Men, Enjoy Dating and Recognize the Love of Your Life," will sign copies of her book from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1930 U.S. 1 South. Call 826-0722.

Summer Concerts
The Boys Like Girls CD debuted on the Billboard 200 list for more than 40 weeks, including three weeks at No. 1 on the Heatseekers chart. Pop hits "The Great Escape" and "Hero/Heroine" spawned from the album.

Learn about Book Promotion
Published author and FWA Regional Director Vic DiGenti, the father of three traditionally-published books, will guide interested writers along the meandering marketing path, pointing out what obstacles to avoid and which roads lead to more consistent sales.

Local State Park Events
Anastasia State Park -- LOW TIDE BIKE RIDE (July 12, 10:30 a.m.)
The event will promote physical and healthy lifestyles in the outdoors. This event will give visitors a cardiovascular workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida.

Addressing Jo Ann exhibit
The newly-installed "Addressing Jo Ann" show, a tribute to the late Jo Ann Crisp-Ellert, opens from 2 to 5 p.m. July 13 at the St. Augustine Art Associatio, 22 Marine St., downtown St. Augustine.

Local State Park Events
Anastasia State Park -- LOW TIDE BIKE RIDE (July 12, 10:30 a.m.)
The event will promote physical and healthy lifestyles in the outdoors. This event will give visitors a cardiovascular workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida.

Dinner & A Movie benefits Cultural Council
At the next Dinner and a Movie Series created by Gypsy Cab Company and The St. Johns Cultural Council, "The Grand" will be on screen in the Gypsy Cab Bar & Grill, 830 Anastasia Blvd.

6th Annual Flip-flop Til You Drop Walk
St. Augustine Beach -- Walk to area dining spots and help raise funds for the St. Augustine Parkinson's Disease Support Group. The $20 registration fee includes a T-shirt and ten beverage tickets that will be given to each participant at the start of the walk.

Art
Painting Date -- July 17: Paint like Gauguin at 2:30 p.m. in Cousart Studios Gallery of Fine Art and Photography, 64 Hypolita St., downtown St. Augustine. Have a taste of Tahiti at this painting date.

Theater: New theater group in town
A new not-for-profit theater organization, A Classic Theatre Inc. (ACT) has been announced by Jean Rahner, president and founder of the performing arts group.

6th Annual Flip-flop Til You Drop Walk
St. Augustine Beach -- Walk to area dining spots and help raise funds for the St. Augustine Parkinson's Disease Support Group. The $20 registration fee includes a T-shirt and ten beverage tickets that will be given to each participant at the start of the walk.

Theater: Local auditions
Actors, actresses and a stage manager are needed for a new Christian play by local performing artist and Minister HowardE. Lewis.The play is called "Order in the Court of Jesus," and is intended to be an evangelical tool which should premier in St. Augustine this fall.

An interview with Cinematic Sunrise
Guitarist Bryan Beeler, from the band Cinematic Sunrise, spoke with me on the phone last month from his bedroom in Novi, Mich. Playing guitar since age 11, this 24-year-old musician told me about his band, their first EP, and life on tour. Catch the band on one of the 10 stages at this weekend's Vans Warped Tour.

Seussical the Musical
The Summer Musical TheatreCamp opens its fourteenth season this weekend with the musical production "Seussical," with local children ages 10 to 18 making up the cast.

Theater: Once on This Island Jr.
he Limelight Theatre is back with another great show for children and families. Students from the Limelight Theatre's KIDZfActory production camp will present the musical "Once on This Island Jr." This award-winning play is full of Caribbean music, dancing, drama and a cast of colorful characters. Shows are 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. July 11 at the theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Go online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org For reservations, call 825-1164.

Art
Painting Date -- July 17: Paint like Gauguin at 2:30 p.m. in Cousart Studios Gallery of Fine Art and Photography, 64 Hypolita St., downtown St. Augustine. Have a taste of Tahiti at this painting date.

Classic 'Space Invaders' game reissued as it turns 30
Every time someone cracks open a fresh new game, someone else is discovering or revisiting a classic like "Frogger" or "Donkey Kong." The legendary games of the 1970s and '80s have been subjected to frequent updates, and Taito has refurbished one of its biggest hits with some clever innovations that should please newcomers and old fans alike.

Summertime calls for strawberry shortcake
What could be better in the good-old summertime than a dish of luscious, sweet berries on top of a delicious shortcake heaped with whipped cream? Besides, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries or any other berries are very nutritious.

Cool summer fruit salad
This recipe is from the Los Angeles Times' test kitchen director Donna Deane. You can substitute a sweet white wine such as Sauternes, Barsac, Monbazillac, Muscat de Rivesaltes or Muscat de St.-Jean-de-Minervois for the Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.

Make a spring roll bowl
Cutting the spinach chiffonade-style for this salad is simple. Just stack 10 or so leaves, roll them together, then use a knife to cut thin slices across the roll to produce thin ribbons.

Grilled tuna is healthy, delicious
Grilling gives fish great flavor without the need for lots of added cooking fat. But this healthy method for cooking seafood can be stressful if you don't get the technique right.

Lemon cake comes out more like a trifle
Ann Mitchell of Pittsfield, Mass., was looking for a recipe for a lemon cake similar to the one that someone brought to a party some years ago. It was made with pieces of angel food cake, lemon pudding and whipped cream layered in a springform pan and chilled.

Teen baking camp
Bread is one of the oldest prepared foods, dating back to the Neolithic era. But today, most people only know bread from the bland loaves they can buy in plastic bags at the local supermarket. What most people don't know is that great handcrafted breads, muffins and sweet rolls begin with just a few simple ingredients combined with some basic techniques.

Lifeline lets seniors live in control on their own
The Lifeline medical alert system is designed with seniors in mind. At the touch of a button, the subscriber is contacted by trained associates who can send help quickly, letting elders live independently.

Sick and tired and stuck going to work
Stay home if you're sick. That's the best way to stop the spread of contagious diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis and gastrointestinal viruses. Besides, you can't do your job capably or safely if you don't feel well. But many Americans simply tough it out when ill, going to work with pain, cramps, headaches, fevers or worse. Often, they have no choice.

EPA: An American life worth less today
WASHINGTON -- It's not just the American dollar that's losing value. A government agency has decided that an American life isn't worth what it used to be.

McCain campaigns on economic policy
DETROIT -- The manufacturing employees in the Wayne County, Mich., audience Thursday were concerned -- about the loss of jobs, the movement of production overseas and the lack of support from Washington D.C. in recent years.

Prosecutor: DNA clears JonBenet Ramsey's family
BOULDER, Colo. -- Prosecutors cleared JonBenet Ramsey's parents and brother Wednesday in the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old beauty queen, saying they were "deeply sorry" for putting the family under a cloud of suspicion that hung heavy for more than a decade.

Salmonella probe turns to jalapenos
WASHINGTON -- For the first time since a salmonella outbreak began in April, the government said Wednesday that at least some of the illnesses appeared to be caused by jalapeno peppers and warned those at greatest risk against eating them.

New generation of iPhone comes calling
MILWAUKEE -- A faster, cheaper, smarter iPhone goes on sale Friday morning, promising to bring the latest technology to more of the masses while changing the way people find information, friends and fun.

Rice says U.S. will defend Gulf
WASHINGTON -- Condoleezza Rice flexed America's muscles in the Middle East Thursday, forcefully warning Iran the U.S. won't ignore threats and will take any action necessary to defend friends and interests in the Persian Gulf.

Obama and Clinton show unity on campaign trail
NEW YORK -- After pummeling each other on the campaign trail for the better part of a year and a half, Senators Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York stowed the brass knuckles and pulled out the olive branches Thursday. The challenge now is to persuade their supporters to do the same.

Learning center facing deadline
A building campaign for a new learning center for children with developmental disabilities is nearly a third of the way to its goal of $1.6 million, but the clock is ticking.

Sheriff apologizes for shirt flap
Sheriff David Shoar made peace with a local anti-war group after its members were incensed by a T-shirt he handed out at a meeting of veterans a few months ago.

Rescued pups to be given new homes
There has been so much interest in the dogs that the St. Johns County animal control director helped rescue from a Tennessee puppy mill that the county Pet Center will hold an adoption lottery Saturday.

Big bucks in the pipeline
The city has determined it will have to spend about $1 million to replace a 1,600-foot pipeline behind its Waste Water Treatment Plant in Lincolnville that has been leaking for years.

Sidewalk driving ban ruled constitutional
County Court Judge Charles Tinlin ruled Thursday that a state law prohibiting a brain-injured Treasure Beach Road man from driving his golf cart on St. Augustine Beach sidewalks is not discriminatory or unconstitutional.

Rita M. (Cramer) Briggs
Rita M. (Cramer) Briggs, 86, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2008, under the benevolent and dedicated care of the Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 25, 1921, in Hempstead, N.Y., the daughter of the late William and Ellen (Noonan) Cramer, and lived all of her life on Long Island, N.Y., before re-locating to St. Augustine in 2000.

Perspective
The Messenger, Fort Dodge, Iowa, on the presidential campaign:

Conservatives for Obama?
A number of friends of mine have commented on an odd phenomenon that they have observed -- conservative Republicans they know who are saying that they are going to vote for Barack Obama. It seemed at first to be an isolated fluke, perhaps signifying only that my friends know some strange conservatives. But apparently columnist Robert Novak has encountered the same phenomenon and has coined the term "Obamacons" to describe the conservatives for Senator Obama.

Barack W. Bush?
Almost everyone is talking about Barack Obama's flip-flops, as the Senate's most liberal member steadily moves to the political center and disowns firebrands like Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Michael Pfleger.

Letter: Questions candidates Realtor board supports
Editor: I am always tickled to read the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Board of Realtors Political Action Committee announcement for their "Support of Candidates." They have never supported me and it has been the kiss of death to my opponents for nearly 12 years.

Letter: Abstinence programs successful
Editor: In a recent column, Leonard Pitts, writes "Anyone who thinks a teenager will never do a thing because she has been forbidden has never met a teenager." If we follow this premise we can say that all teenagers will do forbidden things all the time. While it is true that some teenagers will do these things, they know there are consequences for violent acts and acts of vandalism. For the sexual acts, there is the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Police Report
The following was compiled from police reports collected from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO), St. Augustine Police Department (SAPD) and St. Augustine Beach Police Department (SABPD):

Foster playing at CPL
Chris Foster, award winning songwriter and accomplished musician, will perform at The Center for Positive Living, 1795 Old Moultrie Road, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. A love offering will be accepted, and a complimentary light lunch will be served.

Church of England split on female bishops
LONDON -- The Church of England's move to accept women bishops further roiled an already troubled Anglican communion Tuesday, infuriating conservatives and complicating efforts to promote unity with the Roman Catholic Church.

Unitarians set 'green' program
"Living Green," the topic of the summer program for the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Fellowship, A1A South, 3/4 mile south of State Road 312.

Worship Directory
To serve our readers, The St. Augustine Record publishes a list of houses of worship and service times once a month.

Controlling one's thoughts
Q: How can I control my thoughts and get rid of all the junk that passes through my mind? I know God must be appalled at some of the things I think about, but I can't seem to get rid of them. -- T.B.

Picnic by the sea planned
Christ Church United Methodist Church has organized a picnic by the sea at Anastasia State Park beginning at 4 p.m. July 20.

Local Watch
The St. Augustine Little League Jr. Softball All-Stars beat Baker County in district play 8-0 Monday night. The defense for St. Augustine committed only one error in seven innings behind pitcher Reagan Oakes. Oakes was solid on the mound, allowing just one hit, two walks and striking out six.

Stewart to become owner-driver in '09
JOLIET, Ill. -- Tony Stewart knows he's taking a gamble by leaving NASCAR's elite Joe Gibbs Racing team to join one that usually runs in the middle of the pack.

Stewart released from team
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Joe Gibbs Racing will release Tony Stewart from his contract at the end of the season, ending an incredibly successful decade in which they won two championships and turned the organization into one of NASCAR's best.

Luxembourg rider takes Tour de France lead
SUPER-BESSE, France -- Kim Kirchen pulled on the yellow jersey at the Tour de France on Thursday, the first Luxembourg rider in 50 years to lead cycling's showcase race.

Ownership shake-up?
PHILADELPHIA -- The NFL never sleeps, but it usually rests its eyes in late June and early July, before training camps open.

Local Watch 2
This year's Ancient City Game Fish Association Kingfish Challenge kicks off today with the Junior Kingfish Challenge. The main tournament will take place today and Sunday. Other important information:

Local Watch
Bill Sonntag of Saint Augustine was defeated by Brian Sachs Thursday in the championship round of the Super Senior Championship Bracket of the Senior Amateur Match Play Championship at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. Sachs was a 4-and-3 winner. ...

Jags' Jones arrested on drug charge
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones faces a felony drug charge in his former college town after police say he was inside a car cutting up cocaine with a credit card.

Local Watch 2
This year's KingFish challenge kicks off Friday, (July 11) and ends Sunday (July 13). The prize for this year's winner is $25,000 guaranteed. Last year, Capt. Trip Fletcher of Jacksonville won aboard the No Limit/ATT Real YellowPages.

NASCAR cancels Cup qualifying
JOLIET, Ill. -- The line of strong storms moving in on Chicagoland Speedway was so big, bad and dark blue that it looked more like an impending tidal wave on the horizon.

Report: Weaver trying to sell Jags
The Jaguars had no immediate comment Wednesday night on a Philadelphia Daily News report that team owner Wayne Weaver is negotiating to sell the team to billionaire C. Dean Metropoulos, who could move the team to Los Angeles.

Man pleads guilty in art theft case
MIAMI -- Raising their cocktails in a toast, three suspected art thieves celebrated aboard a yacht with two potential buyers of classic paintings stolen from a museum on the French Riviera.

Deportations in Florida jump 50% so far this year
MIAMI -- The number of immigrants deported from Florida has jumped nearly 50 percent so far this year -- signaling the federal government's continuing enforcement push after a firestorm of public opinion derailed an immigration overhaul in Congress last year.

Bertha weakens to Category 1
MIAMI -- Forecasters say Hurricane Bertha has weakened to a Category 1 storm as it heads toward Bermuda, but could re-strengthen in the next 24 hours.

North Florida works to gain 'staycationers'
JACKSONVILLE -- Jacksonville tourism officials are bidding for a bigger piece of the "staycation" market -- vacationers who pick destinations within a few hours' drive so they can control gas expenses.

Astronauts handle explosives on daring spacewalk
CAPE CANAVERAL -- Two space station astronauts took a daring spacewalk Thursday to cut into the insulation of their descent capsule and remove an explosive bolt with firecracker force -- enough to blow off their hands.

Gunmen attack U.S. consulate in Turkey
ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Gunmen believed inspired by al-Qaida stormed a guard post at the U.S. consulate Wednesday, touching off a firefight that killed three police and three assailants in the latest sign of Turkey's difficulty in clamping down on homegrown militants.

Iran missile test sends message to U.S., Israel
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran test-fired nine missiles Wednesday, including ones capable of hitting Israel, making a dramatic show of its readiness to strike back if the United States or Israel attacks it over its nuclear program.

7 peacekeepers killed in Darfur ambush
KHARTOUM, Sudan -- About 200 gunmen on horseback and in SUVs launched a brazen attack on international peacekeepers in Darfur, killing seven in the deadliest strike against the under-equipped and understaffed mission since it deployed, the U.N. said Wednesday.

Chinese activists jailed in pre-Olympic crackdown
BEIJING -- Outside the small restaurant where he was having dinner, Huang Qi saw men he recognized, plainclothes police officers. He got on his cellphone to alert colleagues: Something might happen tonight, he said. We were followed.